HomeMy WebLinkAboutMinutes-06-22-80-Regular MeetingMINUTES OF THE CITY COUNCIL
OF THE CITY OF DOWNEY
JULY 22, 1980
O F M I N U T E A C T I O N S
SUBJECT: ACTION: PAGE NO.
Presentation by President of Pasadena
Tournament of Roses Assn. of City's 1980
Entry (1st prize in Class A-6) 1
Lot Cleaning Assessments: Affirm on
properties cleaned by City during 1979-80 Approved 1
Minutes: Adj. Reg. Mtg., June 4, 1980; &
Reg. Mtg., July 8, 1980 Approved 1
Corres. from Barbara Palacios re Combining
Library w/Park atmosphere Filed 2
Corres. from Office of Pres. of France in
response to Downey's Res. #3814 re Boycott
of French Products Filed 2
General Warrants: #184250 - 184494
#207200 - 207225 Approved 2
Res. #3845, Condemning Proposal to Withhold
15% Income Tax on Interest earned from•
Savings Accounts Adopted 2
Res. #3846, to Congratulate Job Corps on
its 15th Anniversary & to support search
for thousands of former Job Corps students
to celebrate reunion of success Adopted 2
Bernard Peterson complaints 2
Sign Ordinance: Suspend enforcement pro-
cedures to next Council Meeting Approved 2
Ord. Amending Zoning Map adopted by Sec.
9106.06 DMC (Zone Change #154) (NE Corner
Lakewood & Gallatin) Taken under submission 3
Ord. #621, Amending Zoning Map adopted by
Sec. 9106.06 DMC (Zone Change 4159)
(11531 Downey Av.) Adopted 3
Ord. #622, Amending Zoning Map adopted by
Sec. 9106.06 DMC (Zone Change #160)
(9400-9560 Firestone & 11224-11242 Woodruff) Adopted 3
Ord. #623, Amending Zoning Map adopted by
Sec. 9106.06 DMC (Zone Change #158)
(between 2nd St. & Firestone & between
Dolan & Brookshire) Adopted 3
Ord. Repealing Secs. 9200-9247.5 & amending
said Code by Adding Secs. 9200-9247.5, all
of which relate to Land Division Introduced 3
Res. #3847, Dedicating City Owned Property
on North Side Nada St. Ely of Julius Av.
for Public Road Purposes Adopted 4
Res. #3848, to Ratify Agmt. w/certain other
cities entitled "Joint Exercise of Powers
Agmt. for Insurance Risk Managmt. Purposes;
& rescinding Res. #3812 Adopted 4
Res. #3849, Receiving Annual Implementation
of Sec. 21023.6 of Government (disability
retirement) Adopted 4
Page 1 of 2
COUNCIL MINUTES, JULY 22, 1980
TABLE OF MINUTE ACTIONS (CONTINUED)
SUBJECT: ACTION:
Res. Apprvg. Reapptmt. of Mrs. Catherine
Walker to Library Advisory Board from
Councilmanic Dist. 5 Failed
CC #SS-346, Slurry Seal - Various Streets:
Accept const. contract Approved
CC #459, Misc. Repairs: Accept imprvmts. Approved
Second Century Foundation recommendation
for disbursing appropriated funds as set
forth, excluding unappropriated $7,000, in
accord w/agmt. bet. Foundation & City Approved
Downey Civic Light Opera Assn.: Disburse
remaining $7,000 in accord w/an agmt. Approved
Req. of Downey Civic Light Opera Assn. for
guarantee of City help in case they cannot
pay their bills - Will look for Council
decision next meeting
Res. #3850, Establishing Compensation for
Just & Reasonable Expenses f/Certain Boards
& Commissions & Rescinding Res. #2069 & 2950 Adopted
Compensation for reasonable expenses for
Community Dev. Comm.
Oppose one-half cent Sales Tax for
Transportation System
Res. re Referendum f/Senior Citizen
Housing
Status report re block wall at well site
on Rundell & Julius
Discussion re Council secretary typewriter
Employee insurance: On. Swearingen req.
staff develop figure to pay employee
insurance
Discussion re rate of employees leaving
City
Discussion re letter from Mr. Fisher for
his donating property to school & City
fee charged for zone variance to build
wall on the property
Cn. Cormack suggested charging fine for
illegal parking in handicapped zones
On. Cormack cited complaint from resident
at 7975 Second St. re water standing in
alley next to Texaco service station
On. Cormack to attend meeting 7/30 re
problems w/Jammers Junction - Police
Chief to provide background data
Res. #3851, Apprvg. Reapptmt. of Caesar
Mattei to Library Advisory Board from
Councilmanic Dist. 5
Meeting adjourned in memory of Earl Berry
Staff to bring back resolution
next meeting
Approved
To be presented next meeting
Presented to Cn. Swearingen
Staff preparing Ordinance
Staff to report back
next meeting
Adopted
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Page 2 of 2
MINUTES OF THE CITY COUNCIL
OF THE CITY OF DOWNEY
JULY 22, 1980
The City Council of the City of Downey held a regular meeting at 7:30 p.m.,
July 22, 1980, in the Council Chamber of the Downey City Hall, Mayor Theodore H.
Jackman presiding.
PRESENT: Council Members:
Lyell W. Swearingen
Milton R. Mackaig Mayor Pro Tem
James T. Quinn
Robert G. Cormack
Theodore H. Jackman Mayor
ALSO PRESENT: Charles W. Thompson, City Manager
Royal M. Sorensen, City Attorney
William A. Ralph, Director of Public Works
Ronald W. Leege, Director df Finance
John T. Neavill, Director of Parks & Recreation
William F. Martin, Police Chief
Don Davis, Fire Chief
Francis E. Carter, Assistant City Planner
Harald J. Henriksen, City Engineer
Charles G. Eccleston, Traffic Engineer
Harry Rayson, Acting Building Official
John H. Saunders, Personnel Officer
Thomas Tincher, Housing & Redevelopment Coordinator
Jeanne Cook, Deputy City Clerk -Treasurer
Judy McDonnell, Executive Secretary
The Invocation was delivered by Councilman Cormack. The Flag Salute was led
by Councilman Mackaig.
PRESENTATIONS
Acknowledgements were made of Mr. Bob Webber and Mr. Brownie Brown of the
Downey Rose Float Association, and Mr. George West and Mr. Millard Davidson of the
Tournament of Roses.
Mr. Millard Davidson, President of the Pasadena Tournament of Roses Associa-
tion, commented on the success of the Tournament of Roses, which is in its 92nd
season, and of the wide viewing audience of the parade each year. He thanked the
City of Downey for its participation and presented to Mayor Jackman a framed
picture trophy of Downey's entry in the 1980 parade, noting Downey won first prize
in Class A-6.
HEARINGS
Mayor Jackman opened the hearing on Lot Cleaning Assessments. He inquired if
the Deputy City Clerk had the Proof of Publication, and the response was yes.
It was moved by Councilman Swearingen, seconded by Councilman Mackaig, and so
ordered to receive and file the Proof.
Mayor Jackman inquired if the Deputy City Clerk had received any written
protests, and the response was no.
There being no one present to speak in protest to the assessments, it was
moved by Councilman Swearingen, seconded by Councilman Mackaig, and so ordered to
close the hearing.
It was moved by Councilman Swearingen, seconded by Councilman Cormack, and
passed by unanimous vote to affirm Lot Cleaning Assessments on properties that
have been cleaned by the City during the Fiscal Year 1979-80.
CONSENT CALENDAR
It was moved by Councilman Swearingen, seconded by Councilman Cormack, and
passed by the following vote to approve the ConsentCalendar:
Adiourned Recular Meetina of June 4.'1980: and Regular Meeting of
Council Minutes 7/22/80 -1-
G&
Correspondence from Mrs;. Barbara Palacios regarding Combining Library with
Park Atmosphere.
Correspondence from the Office of the President of France in response to
Downey's Resolution No. 3814 regarding Boycott of French Products.
General Warrants: #184250 - 184494; n207200 - 207225: $727,757.05.
RESOLUTION NO. 3845
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DOWNEY
CONDEMNING THE PROPOSAL TO WITHHOLD 15% IN INCOME TAX
ON INTEREST EARNED FROM SAVINGS ACCOUNTS
RESOLUTION NO. 3846
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DOWNEY
TO CONGRATULATE THE JOB CORPS ON ITS 15TH ANNIVERSARY
AND TO SUPPORT THE SEARCH FOR THESE THOUSANDS OF FORMER
JOB CORPS STUDENTS TO CELEBRATE A REUNION OF SUCCESS
AYES: 5 Council Members: Swearingen, Mackaig, Quinn, Cormack, Jackman
ORAL COMMUNICATIONS (Items not on Agenda)
Mr. Bernard N. Peterson, 11745-7 Coldbrook Avenue, commented on his evaluation
of poisons in the air, of discussions with the Water Division, and prosecution by
the City. He submitted a copy of his written complaints.
Mr. R. Kile, 8732 East Imperial Highway, spoke regarding the notices received
by businesses concerning enforcement of the City's Sign Ordinance and the restric-
tions placed on signs. He indicated some confusion does exist, and he asked about
the possibility of a moratorium on sign enforcement pending further review of the
Ordinance. He mentioned enforcement begins July 25th.
Mayor Jackman asked Mr. Rile to make an appointment to discuss this with the
City Manager and then if there are any problems to come back to the Council.
Councilman Quinn concurred with a moratorium, stating he has received many
calls from businessmen regarding sign enforcement. He asked that the enforcement
cease pending further evaluations of the Ordinance.
Mr. Thompson said he would be willing to discuss this with Mr. Kile and
pointed out that hundreds of businesses in the City have already complied with the
Ordinance.
Mr. Kile stated he has been in business since December, 1979, and that when
he applied for his business license he was not notified of the Sign Ordinance. He
feels new businesses should be informed of the Sign Ordinance at the time of obtain-
ing their business licenses.
Discussion followed
It was moved by Councilman Quinn, seconded by Councilman Cormack, and passed
by the following vote to suspend enforcement procedures on the Sign Ordinance to
the next Council Meeting.
Mr. Thompson stated during the next couple of weeks the Council may determine
it wants to make some changes in the Ordinance. Then, a further moratorium can be
placed on the Ordinance at the next meeting.
Mr. Rayson explained there has been very good compliance with the City's Sign
Ordinance and only a few cases have been turned over to the City Prosecutor.
AYES: 4 Council Members: Swearingen, Mackaig, Quinn, Cormack
NOES: 1 Council Member: Jackman
ORDINANCES
ORDINANCE NO.
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DOWNEY
AMENDING THE ZONING MAP ADOPTED BY SECTION 9106.06 OF
THE DOWNEY MUNICIPAL CODE (ZONE CHANGE CASE NO. 154)
(NORTHEAST CORNER LAKEWOOD BOULEVARD AND GALLATIN ROAD)
Council Minutes 7/22/80 -2-
Get `.
The Ordinance was read by title only. It was moved by Councilman Mackaig
and seconded by Councilman Swearingen to waive further reading.
It was moved by Councilman Swearingen and seconded by Councilman Mackaig to
adopt the Ordinance.
Mr. Thompson requested the Ordinance be taken off the Agenda, inasmuch as the
City has not received the deed on the property. He pointed out, however, that
although it is being worked on, the deed is not ready at this time.
The motion and second to adopt were withdrawn. The Ordinance was taken under
submission.
ORDINANCE NO. 621
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DOWNEY
AMENDING THE ZONING MAP ADOPTED BY SECTION 9106.06 OF
THE DOWNEY MUNICIPAL CODE (ZONE CHANGE CASE NO. 159)
(11531 DOWNEY AVENUE)
The Ordinance was read by title only. It was moved by Councilman Mackaig
and seconded by Councilman Swearingen to waive further reading.
It was moved by Councilman Mackaig, seconded by Councilman Swearingen, and
passed by unanimous vote to adopt Ordinance No. 621.
ORDINANCE NO. 622
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DOWNEY
AMENDING THE ZONING MAP ADOPTED BY SECTION 9106.06 OF
THE DOWNEY MUNICIPAL CODE (ZONE CHANGE CASE NO. 160)
(9400-9560 FIRESTONE BOULEVARD AND 11224-11242 WOODRUFF AVENUE)
The Ordinance was read by title only. It was moved by Councilman Swearingen
and seconded by Councilman Mackaig to waive further reading.
It was moved by Councilman Mackaig, seconded by Councilman Swearingen, and
passed by unanimous vote to adopt Ordinance No. 622.
ORDINANCE NO. 623
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DOWNEY
AMENDING THE ZONING MAP ADOPTED BY SECTION 9106.06 OF
THE DOWNEY MUNICIPAL CODE (ZONE CHANGE CASE NO. 158)
(BETWEEN SECOND STREET AND FIRESTONE BOULEVARD AND
BETWEEN DOLAN AVENUE AND BROOKSHIRE AVENUE)
The Ordinance was read by title only. It was moved by Councilman Mackaig and
seconded by Councilman Cormack to waive further reading.
It was moved by Councilman Mackaig, seconded by Councilman Cormack, and passed
by the following vote to adopt Ordinance No. 623.
AYES: 4 Council Members: Mackaig, Quinn, Cormack, Jackman
ABSTAIN: 1 Council Member: Swearingen
ORDINANCE NO.
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DOWNEY
REPEALING SECTIONS 9200 THROUGH 9247.5 AND AMENDING SAID
-- CODE BY ADDING SECTIONS 9200 THROUGH 9247.5, ALL OF
WHICH RELATE TO LAND DIVISION
The Ordinance was read by title only. It was moved by Councilman Mackaig,
seconded by Councilman Swearingen, and so ordered to waive further reading.
It was moved by Councilman Swearingen, seconded by Councilman Quinn, and passed
by the following vote to introduce the Ordinance.
AYES: 3 Council Members: Quinn, Cormack, Jackman
NOES: 2 Council Members: Swearingen, Mackaig
Council Minutes 7/22/80 -3-
RESOLUTIONS
.RESOLUTION NO. 3847
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DOWNEY
DEDICATING CITY OWNED PROPERTY ON THE NORTH SIDE NADA
STREET EASTERLY OF JULIUS AVENUE FOR PUBLIC ROAD PURPOSES
The Resolution was read by title only. It was moved by Councilman Mackaig
and seconded by Councilman Swearingen to waive further reading.
It was moved by Councilman Mackaig, seconded by Councilman Quinn, and passed
by unanimous vote to adopt Resolution No. 3847.
RESOLUTION NO. 3848
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DOWNEY
TO RATIFY AN AGREEMENT WITH CERTAIN OTHER CITIES EN-
TITLED "JOINT EXERCISE OF POWERS AGREEMENT FOR INSURANCE
RISK MANAGEMENT PURPOSES" AND RESCINDING RESOLUTION #3812
The Resolution was read by title only. It was moved by Councilman Mackaig
and seconded by Councilman Swearingen to waive further reading.
It was moved by Councilman Mackaig, seconded by Councilman Swearingen, and
passed by unanimous vote to adopt Resolution No. 3848.
RESOLUTION NO. 3849
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DOWNEY
RECEIVING ANNUAL IMPLEMENTATION OF SECTION 21023.6 OF
THE GOVERNMENT CODE
The Resolution was read by title only. It was moved by Councilman Mackaig
and seconded by Councilman Swearingen to waive further reading.
It was moved by Councilman Mackaig, seconded by Councilman Swearingen, and
passed by the following vote to adopt Resolution No. 3849.
Mr. Thompson explained State Retirement Law requires there be certain findings
on disability retirements and specifies the Executive Officer or City Council shall
make such findings. He said a disability retirement case has to be reviewed by a
medical officer appointed by the City. It then goes before the Personnel Advisory
Board and the Board makes recommendation to the City Manager, who makes the final
determination concerning proven disability. The Resolution reaffirms his appoint-
ment to make the findings as required by law. He outlined more fully the procedure
followed for conducting a review of disability retirements.
AYES: 5 Council Members: Swearingen, Mackaig, Quinn, Cormack, Jackman
'RESOLUTION NO.
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DOWNEY-
APPROVING THE REAPPOINTMENT OF MRS. CATHERINE WALKER
AS A MEMBER OF THE LIBRARY ADVISORY BOARD FROM
COUNCILMANIC DISTRICT FIVE
The Resolution was read by title only. It was moved by Councilman Mackaig
and seconded by Councilman Swearingen to waive further reading.
It was moved by Mayor Jackman and seconded by Councilman Cormack to.adopt the
Resolution.
AYES: 1
NOES: 2
ABSTAIN: 2
Failed
CASH CONTRACTS
Council Member:
Council Members:
Council Members:
Jackman
Swearingen, Quinn
Mackaig, Cormack
It was moved by Councilman Swearingen, seconded by Councilman Mackaig, and
passed by unanimous vote to accept the construction contract for improvements under
Cash Contract #SS-346, Slurry Seal - Various Streets (A/C #26-1-6218 & 10-4-5428).
Council Minutes 7/22/80 -4-
6CF/..,
It was moved by Councilman Swearingen, seconded by Councilman Cormack, and
passed by unanimous vote to accept the improvements completed in conjunction with
Cash Contract '1459, Miscellaneous Repairs, and the responsibility for maintenance
thereof.
MISCELLANEOUS ACTIONS
Mrs. Maria D'Orazio, 9115 Gainford, Vice President of the Downey Civic Light
Opera Association (DCLOA), explained the Downey Children's Theatre began in
December 1955, at which time its first successful play was launched, and she men-
tioned the Children's Theatre was co -sponsored by parks and recreation and backed
by the City Council. She stated that since Proposition 13, and without City
support, the children's plays had to be dropped; but musical productions did
continue. Mrs. D'Orazio commented on the financial status of the DCLOA for the
past two years noting the higher costs this year due to Theatre rental rates and
supervision. She said even though adjustments have been made in their favor,
there has been no break indicated in the rental rates, and they cannot cut down
anymore days on Theatre rental or their productions would suffer greatly. Mrs.
D'Orazio stated at this time they cannot foresee any sure or definite source of
additional income. She said they have offered -quality entertainment at a reasona-
ble price, but there is no way they can begin the new season knowing that at the
end of the season they will run short of funds. She appealed to the Council to
assist the DCLOA financially in the event it is unable to meet all of its
obligations. She estimated $20,000 would be needed for the three productions they
have scheduled for next year. She indicated this amount would be in addition to
the $10,000 they have in reserve.
At this time, Mayor Jackman asked the Council to consider the Second Century
Foundation - Disbursement of City of Downey Promotion Funds, and then come back to
the Downey Civic Light Opera Association request.
)n recommendation re
Mayor Jackman reviewed the memo from Mr. Ned Young, President of the Downey
Second Century Foundation, requesting Council to honor the Foundation's recommenda-
tion concerning disbursement of funds to the various organizations.
Mr. Thompson explained there will be additional funds collected on the
business license tax since it is based on a calendar year. He said one of the
groups recommended is the Downey Museum of Art, with a condition that they come up
with a program in a certain period of time. This, he said, is still pending.
It was moved by Councilman Mackaig, seconded by Councilman Quinn, and passed
by unanimous vote to accept the Second Century Foundation recommendation and
disburse appropriated funds as set forth in the recommendation, excluding the
unappropriated amount of $7,000, in accordance with the agreement between the
Second Century Foundation and the City.
Mayor Jackman said the Downey Theatre is doing an outstanding job, and he
complimented the recent Music Man production he saw at the Theatre. He mentioned
the intent of establishing the Business License surtax was to promote businesses
in the City that would give the money back to them in increased patronage, and he
feels the Theatre has gone a long way in accomplishing this. Mayor Jackman indi-
cated he would like to allocate the $7,000 surplus to the DCLOA, and as the season
that the Council take a look at the DCLOA budget to see if there are any problems
and any way it can be helped, possibly through the Downey Arts Council.
It was moved by Councilman Cormack, seconded by Councilman Quinn, and passed
by the following vote to disburse the remaining $7,000 to the Downey Civic Light
Opera Association, in accordance with an agreement,
Mr. Thompson explained an ordinance will be brought to the Council to repeal
the tax, and it will be effective as of December 31, 1980. This means there will
still be some collection of money through this calendar year, which could amount
to as much as $3,000-$4,000. The Council will give further consideration of this
amount at a later date.
AYES: 5 Council Members: Swearingen, Mackaig, Quinn, Cormack, Jackman
Mrs. D'Orazio said the DCLOA needs a guarantee from the Council that it will
help in case they cannot pay their bills. She pointed out that try -outs will begin
August 18 and 19, and once they begin with a director, they are committed to go
Council Minutes 7/22/80 -5-
Mr. Neavill stated at the last meeting of the Downey Theatre Association there
were certain compromises made by the Board of Directors concerning rental costs and
the cost of personnel. It is his understanding negotiations for Theatre rental
were left open, and he feels there is some possibility of attempting to refine the
agreement between the two organizations so that the rental can be reduced and still
within the framework of the adopted rental rates. Mr. Neavill explained that if
the trust fund and the grant from the California Arts Council are received, then
the Board of Directors will be able to make some adjustments in the rental rates,
but there is no guarantee on this.
Mr. Thompson stated staff is proposing that the Downey Arts Council meet on
August 6th for a short organizational meeting.
Mrs. D'Orazio said unless this can be resolved by August 18th, the DCLOA will
be legally bound to a season it does not feel it can finish.
Mayor Jackman said there is no way the Council can give the DCLOA a guarantee
at this time, but possibly in three weeks or a month.
Mrs. O'Orazio indicated they will await the Council's final decision at its
next meeting.
Mr. Dale Hardeman, President of the Downey Theatre Association, explained
staff recommended charging half the rental fees, and following a review by the
Downey Theatre Association Board of Directors, they found it would not be possible
to do that. He pointed out the average daily cost charged to the DCLOA is as
equal as possible to the actual expenses incurred for that period of operation of
use. Also, he said, the DCLOA has opted to expand its normal rehearsal period
from six hours a day to 10 and 12 hours, which is very costly. Mr. Hardeman stated
if there is any way they can work this out they will do so, and he would be happy
to discuss this further with them.
Compensation for Mayor/Council, Boards and Commissions
Mr. Thompson stated for clarification, the amount shown for the Mayor and
Council is actually "expense" and not compensation.
It was moved by Councilman Mackaig and seconded by Councilman Quinn to raise
the Recreation & Community Services Commission to $15.00 per meeting; the Planning
Commission to $30.00 per meeting; the Personnel Advisory Board to $15.00 per meet-
ing; the Water Board to $15.00 per meeting; and the Building Appeals Board to
$15.00 per meeting, each not to exceed two meetings per month.
Mr. Sorensen explained there is a current ordinance which determines and
finds that the Mayor and Council Members do incur certain minimum expenses per
month. The Council receives $175 and the Mayor receives an additional $60.
Mr. Thompson said the Council has never established an allowance for acting
as the Community Development Commission.
RESOLUTION NO. 3850
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DOWNEY
ESTABLISHING COMPENSATION FOR JUST AND REASONABLE EX-
PENSES FOR CERTAIN BOARDS AND COMMISSIONS AND RESCINDING
RESOLUTION NOS. 2069. AND 2950
The Resolution was read in its entirety.
It was moved by Councilman Mackaig, seconded by Councilman Swearingen, and
passed by unanimous vote to adopt Resolution No. 3850.
Mayor Jackman mentioned the Southeast Area Animal Control Authority has made
a motion that it would like to pay out of its budget a stipulated amount to the
members of the Commission, of which he is now the Chairman. He said he is also
Vice -Chairman of the Housing Advisory Committee, and the only compensation is
paid to the citizen members and community -based organization. The elected offi-
cials receive no expense money.
Staff was instructed to bring back a Resolution next meeting concerning
compensation for reasonable expenses for the Community Development Commission.
Council Minutes 7/22/80 -6-
CITY MANAGER'S REPORT
Mr. Thompson stated the League of California Cities has passed along a propo-
sal made by the Los Angeles County Transportation Commission regarding raising
moneys for a transportation system. The League is requesting specific comments
from various cities regarding two proposals. The first proposal calls for a
referendum on a one-half cent increase in Sales Tax to go for new transit, which
would be allocated to the cities on a population basis. The second proposal is
that any comments be made to the League later this month.
Mayor Jackman asked if there is a specific proposal for rapid or mass transit.
Mr. Eccleston replied the proposal involves short -to -medium range transit
improvements and medium -and -long range transit improvements. The long range is
for guideway improvements on freeway rights -of -way. He said one of the questions
the League has requested Downey to comment on is whether the ballot measure should
be specific as to the type of transportation mode to be proposed. An alternative
to the proposal is they would return a certain portion of funds to local govern-
ments on the basis of population to further local transportation improvements. Mr.
Eccleston stated at this particular time, it would be premature to be specific as
to mode.
Mayor Jackman indicated he would like to know what he would be approving the
money for.
It was moved by Councilman Mackaig, seconded by Councilman Swearingen, and
passed by unanimous vote to oppose the one-half cent additional Sales Tax.
Mr. Thompson explained that the Resolution pertaining to the Referendum for
Senior Citizen Housing will be presented to the Council at its next meeting.
ORAL COMMUNICATIONS - City Council
At Council Swearingen's request, he was presented with a report regarding
status of the block wall at the well site on Rundell Street and Julius Avenue.
Councilman Swearingen inquired regarding the status of the typewriter for the
Council secretary. He was informed the typewriter is on order and will take
approximately four -to -five months for delivery.
Councilman Swearingen then asked if all the employees have medical insurance
and whether they have to pay for it. He also asked if any of the employees have
their insurance paid for.
Mr. Thompson replied some are under the Kaiser plan and some are under the
self-insurance program. Those under Kaiser he believes pay $2.00 and those on the
self -insured pay a small fraction of the actual cost --the City pays 80-90 percent.
The safety employees, Police and Fire, do not pay for their insurance; the general
employees (DCEA) and Teamsters pay a small amount; and management does not pay.
Councilman Swearingen requested staff to develop a figure it would cost for
the employees to receive their insurance without charge.
Councilman Swearingen inquired regarding the rate of employees leaving the
City and if it is in excess of the normal.
Mr. Thompson stated the turn -over of employees', is constant, although it varies
from season to season and department to department.He said it is probably more
constant in the maintenance divisions and the Police Department.
Councilman Swearingen asked if the Resolution opposing the 15 percent earning
tax to the IRS will be sent to the proper authorities, and the response was yes.
Councilman Mackaig said a letter was received from Mr. Stanley Fisher, who
donated property to the school. He inquired regarding the $225 fee the City
charged to Mr. Fisher, as cited in Mr. Fisher's letter to Wilson Riles.
Mr. Thompson explained Mr. Fisher came to the Planning Division and requested
the right to install a wall higher than is permitted on property belonging to the
school. The school did give Mr. Fisher permission to erect the wall on its property
and then when Mr. Fisher came in to get the permit he was charged a fee for the per-
mit and inspection.
Council Minutes 7/22/80 -7-
Mr. Carter further commented on Mr. Fisher's request for a variance and that
he was charged $175 for the variance and $25 for a building fee.
Councilman Cormack commented on ordinances in other cities charging a fine for
illegal parking in handicapped zones and suggested the City of Downey consider doing
the same.
Chief Martin said the Police Department does have the power to cite people
parked in handicapped zones who do not have specified license plates. His depart-
ment is currently working with the Traffic Division regarding the problem of
posting, which because of changing State laws will require an ordinance change.
Mr. Eccleston said an ordinance draft is being prepared for consideration by
the Traffic Committee at its next meeting and eventual submittal to the Council.
He commented on the current City ordinance regarding the handicapped parking and
the ability to cite vehicles for illegal parking and to have those vehicles towed
away. The proposed ordinance will deal with the ability to cite and tow away
violators on private property and shopping centers.
Councilman Cormack cited a complaint from the resident at 7975 Second Street
regarding water standing in the alley next to the Texaco service station.
Staff will look into it and give a report next meeting.
Councilman Cormack explained he has been requested by citizens in his
district to attend a meeting on July 30th regarding problems with Jammers Junction.
Chief Martin said the Police Department has an incident file on various loca-
tions, and he will provide background data to Councilman Cormack.
At the request of Mayor Jackman, it was moved by Councilman Mackaig and
seconded by Councilman Swearingen to approve the appointment of Caesar Mattei to
the Library Advisory Board, representing District Five.
RESOLUTION NO. 3851
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DOWNEY
APPROVING THE REAPPOINTMENT OF CAESAR MATTEI AS A MEMBER
OF THE LIBRARY ADVISORY BOARD FROM COUNCILMANIC DISTRICT FIVE
The Resolution was read by title only. It was moved by Councilman Mackaig and
seconded by Councilman Swearingen to waive further reading.
It was moved by Councilman Mackaig, seconded by Councilman Swearingen, and
passed by unanimous vote to adopt Resolution No. 3851.
ORAL COMMUNICATIONS - Audience
Ms. Elizabeth Clinton, member of the Downey Civic Light Opera Association,
thanked the Council for its consideration and the $7,000 awarded to the Associa-
tion. She hopes their problems can be resolved. She mentioned the deadline for
local organizational grants is August 22nd in Sacramento and said she has invited
members of the California Arts Council to have a meeting at the Downey Theatre,
which they have accepted. Ms. Clinton commented on a letter of commendation she
received from the Executive Director of California Confederation of the Arts.
Mr. Bob Austin, Chairman of the Downey Symphonic Society, commented on their
efforts the last two years to raise money without help from the City, but he asked
that the City keep some funds on hand in case they need to make a request later
this year due to increased costs.
At 9:54 p.m., the meeting was adjourned in memory of Mr. Earl Berry, former
member of the Parking Place Commission and other volunteer positions in the City,
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Council Minutes 7/22/80 -8-